2012 toyota tacoma Reviews and News

2012 Toyota Tacoma

By
Automobile Magazine
- 12/06/2011

The Tacoma is the best product left in a segment other automakers have chosen to either abandon or neglect. Although Toyota hasn't redesigned the Tacoma since 2005, it stays committed with timely tweaks. Last year, for instance, Toyota added some swagger with new T|X and T|X Pro packages. Based on a SEMA show concept and available only on V-6 models with the TRD off-road package, the T|X adds black bead-lock wheels wearing off-road tires, an aggressive new grille, and unique graphics. The Pro tops all that off with a performance exhaust. At the other end of the spectrum, the Tacoma offers a 159-hp four-cylinder engine. The 4.0-liter V-6 would likely be a better choice for most buyers, as it enables up to 6500 pounds of towing. Altogether, there are about two dozen body and trim combinations, but the basic lineup consists of the regular cab; the Access Cab, which boasts rear-hinged doors; and the Double Cab, which has full-size rear doors, flexible rear seatbacks, and a storage unit behind the second row. The coolest Tacoma is still the X-Runner, which has a lowered suspension and eighteen-inch wheels, as well as a standard six-speed manual transmission. The Tacoma has long faced competition from cheap full-size trucks, but its smaller size offers agility that those trucks can't match. Piloting a Tacoma around a crowded city is a refreshing reminder that not all pickups have to be monstrously oversized and difficult to park.

Recalls are being issued for a number of vehicles including the new Toyota Prius V, 2012 Toyota Tacoma, and Cam-Am Spyder as well as various BMWs and Rolls-Royce models using V-8 and V-12 engines.

2012 Toyota Prius V

The Problem: Weakened actuators in the Prius V's exhaust-heat recovery system can cause engine coolants in the Prius V to leak, causing the hybrid's warning light to turn, making the car run in safe mode.

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AN INCORRECT PLACARD COULD LEAD TO IMPROPER SPARE TIRE USE OR REPLACEMENT WHICH COULD RESULT IN A TIRE FAILURE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

GST WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND SEND EACH OWNER A CORRECTED PLACARD, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 5, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GULF STATES TOYOTA, INC. AT 1-713-744-3465.

Potential Units Affected

672

Notes

GULF STATES TOYOTA, INC.

Recall Date

12-31-1969:21:35:30

Component

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE

Summary

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model year Corolla, Sienna and Tundra; model year 2009-2013 Highlander and Venza; model year 2012 Prius V; and model year 2010-2012 Sequoia. During modification by SET to include accessories such as leather seat covers, seat heaters or headrest DVD systems, these vehicles may not have had the passenger seat occupant sensing system calibration tested. Without passing the calibration test, the occupant sensing system may not operate as designed.

Consequences

If the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position. This could increase the risk of personal injury during the event of a vehicle crash necessitating airbag deployment.

Remedy

Southeast Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary. The recall began on March 21, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.

Potential Units Affected

3,235

Notes

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC

Recall Date

12-31-1969:21:35:30

Component

SEATS

Summary

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model year Corolla, Sienna and Tundra; model year 2009-2013 Highlander and Venza; model year 2012 Prius V; and model year 2010-2012 Sequoia. During modification by SET to include accessories such as leather seat covers, seat heaters or headrest DVD systems, these vehicles may not have had the passenger seat occupant sensing system calibration tested. Without passing the calibration test, the occupant sensing system may not operate as designed.

Consequences

If the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position. This could increase the risk of personal injury during the event of a vehicle crash necessitating airbag deployment.

Remedy

Southeast Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary. The recall began on March 21, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.

An inaccurate label could lead to owners overloading their vehicles and tires. An overloaded vehicle can result in a tire failure which may result in a vehicle crash, personal injury, or property damage.

Remedy

Southeast Toyota will notify owners and provide a corrected label with instructions concerning its installation. A small group of the affected vehicles will need additonal remedies which are still being developed. The recall began on May 28, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.

Potential Units Affected

7,525

Notes

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC

Recall Date

12-31-1969:21:35:31

Component

TIRES:TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE

Summary

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Tacoma vehicles equipped with 18" Maverick Alloy Wheels. In the affected vehicles, the spare tire requires the use of a different style of lug nut to attach it to the vehicle than the other wheels use. These lug nuts were not provided with the vehicle.

Consequences

If the spare tire/wheel is installed on the vehicle using the lug nuts from another wheel, damage to the wheel could result and may eventually lead to a loose wheel, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

SET will notify owners, and dealers will: (a) Install a Warning Label on the spare tire/wheel, (b) supply a bag containing proper spare wheel lug nuts, and (c) place an Owner's Manual Addendum in the vehicle's glove box. The recall began on January 23, 2014. Owners may contact SET at 1-954-429-2000.

Potential Units Affected

979

Notes

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC

Recall Date

12-31-1969:21:35:40

Component

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

Summary

Toyota is recalling certain model year 2012 and 2013 Toyota Tacoma and Lexus RX350 vehicles and certain model year 2012 Toyota Rav4 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the brake system contains a brake actuator that adjusts the fluid pressure of each wheel cylinder. An electrical component within the actuator may experience an increased resistance resulting in the illumination of various warning lights, including those for the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system, Antilock Brake System (ABS), and Traction Control system.

Consequences

If this occurs, these systems could become inoperative, reducing the directional control assistance, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Toyota will notify owners, and Toyota and Lexus dealers will update the software for the Skid Control electronic control unit, free of charge. The recall began on March 28, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

Potential Units Affected

261,114

Notes

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Recall Date

12-31-1969:21:35:40

Component

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL

Summary

Toyota is recalling certain model year 2012 and 2013 Toyota Tacoma and Lexus RX350 vehicles and certain model year 2012 Toyota Rav4 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the brake system contains a brake actuator that adjusts the fluid pressure of each wheel cylinder. An electrical component within the actuator may experience an increased resistance resulting in the illumination of various warning lights, including those for the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system, Antilock Brake System (ABS), and Traction Control system.

Consequences

If this occurs, these systems could become inoperative, reducing the directional control assistance, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Toyota will notify owners, and Toyota and Lexus dealers will update the software for the Skid Control electronic control unit, free of charge. The recall began on March 28, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

If the spare tire is inflated to the incorrect pressure provided on the placard, tire failure may occur while it is being driven on, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

For the involved vehicles, overlay stickers to correct the tire placard will either be mailed to owners or provided to dealers for placement over the incorrect information on the placard. The recall is expected to begin in September 2014. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.